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Competitors in Cross Country Rallies are used to slippery surfaces - soft sand and sticky mud abound. But now, and for only the second time, there's an event in the FIA International Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, that can be called a real winter classic - the "Russia - Northern Forest" Baja, a challenging event held on really challenging snow and ice covered tracks in the forests north of Saint Petersburg.
In 2009 the "Northern Forest" Baja was held as a round of the FIA International Cup for the first time, and it received much praise from international observers. Here's what you can expect on this event:
• a high level of organization,
• challenging snow and ice roads
• the strongest opposition - double FIA International Cup winner Boris Gadasin, FIA International Cup for Bajas and FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies winner in the Production category Artem Varentsov, regular guest and prize-Baja winner - Czech champion Miroslav Zapletal, reigning Russian Champion Ruslan Misikov and many, many others...
So, why should you come to the Saint Petersburg region for the "Russian - Northern Forest" Baja? There are lots of reasons:
• Simple logistics for European competitors
Saint-Petersburg isn't called the northern capital of Russia without reason: it is situated just two hours drive from the Finnish border and three hours from the border with Baltic countries.
• Attractive schedule and compact route.
The Baja "Russia - Northern Forest 2010" will be run over three days (from Friday to Sunday), including administrative checks and scrutineering. All the infrastructure of the event will be situated within the Igora ski resort where the majority of the competitors will be accommodated. The liaison to the midday service will not exceed 50 kilometres.
• Spectator friendly
A dedicated spectator area will be established near the start and finish point of each stage, adjacent to the service Area, and the unique lap-like structure of the event will ensure there is a lot to see.
• Great situation
The Igora ski resort where the event HQ will be situated and where the ceremonial start and finish will be held, is considered one of the best in Russia, and the country president's (he was born in Saint-Petersburg) favourite. It also attracts the business elite and leading politicians. Igora is situated close to Saint Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Those who wish can enjoy a variety of sightseeing opportunities in Saint Petersburg that will be offered by the organisers.
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• Support for foreign competitors.
The organisers of the "Northern Forest" Baja will be happy to help competitors with visa and customs issues. We will advise you of a variety of accommodation available as well as other car rental and logistics offers. An entire truck with studded Michelin competition tyres will be present at the event; however competitors will be free to use any other tyres, approved for use on production light vehicles and SUVs, complying with European road legislation.
• Unique roads.
The route preparations start long before the beginning of winter, and are carried out until the race eve. "Northern Forest" has been named the best rally-raid in the national championship from year to year, and during the last two seasons it also received acknowledgment and praise from international specialists and foreign sportsmen.
• Strong organisation
The same team which ran last year's successful event will again be in charge of organisation, with ex FIA Cross-Country World Cup winner Fred Gallagher again advising the organisers.
February 26th to 28th, 2010. 30 degrees of longitude and 60 degrees of latitude. Ice flying from under the wheels and the roar of racing engines among the great snow-covered coniferous forest. The applause of spectators and the remarkable winter scenery. Ceremonial fireworks and the unique gala prize-giving show. It's all about the Baja "Russia - Northern Forest 2010". The competition which awaits You!
Download invitation in PDF format:  nf10welcome.pdf 1.05 Mb
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